Front Bumper Cover Removal

MAH · 5th November 2007, 14:04

Because I had heard it was so "easy" to remove the front cover, I tried it on Sunday and did not get very far. When you remove the black bumper guards there are these black plastic grommets that push through the cover to the bumper behind it. I could not get these plastic grommets out to save me. I tried all kinds of tools, including the grommet tool that is specifically built to remove these.

There has to be at least 8 of these plastic grommets holding on the bumper cover. How do you remove them?

Thanks,

Mark

mad dem21 · 5th November 2007, 15:14

The grommets are for the grill. All you need to do to get the bumper cover off is use trox tool. Their are two long trox bolts right above the grill. I think it a 6mm trox that you need. once the bumper cover is loose pull it forward and the bumper comes off. If you need to get the grommets out i just cut the front
(flat part) off and pull from the back with pliers. Buy new grommets at bmw there 95 cents. I hope this helps...

SeattleM5 · 5th November 2007, 15:17

I think you might be approaching this the wrong way. I removed my front bumper a month or so ago to install an AA CAI. I simply removed the two T50 torx bolts that are tucked away in the "roof" of the lower grill opening (just under where the front license holder goes). The bumper then slid forward. Don't forget to undo the bolts on the R/L lower fender liners first as they attach to the bumper. Once the bumper is slid forward a bit, disconnect the terminals going to the PDC units (if you have them) and disconnect the hose feeding the headlight washers, you'll find it on the passenger side of the bumper (US cars). For a more detailed explanation w/ photos go to the Beastpower website and select the AA CAI, you'll find instructions in pdf format. Hope this helps!

mchin · 5th November 2007, 17:34

MAH,

I believe that there are screws that attach the bumper to the fender wells. I think there are either one or two screws per side. These are accessable by looking in the wheel well after either turning the wheel or removing the wheel.

These would be in addition to the screws that hold the lower pans in place. There are three lower pans; two on each side just in front of each wheel and then the middle one.

I did not even remove the bumper guards when I removed my bumper.

Hope this helps.

Michael.

Edit: here is a link I found which might help Removing Front Bumper?

whatheheck · 5th November 2007, 19:03

+ 1. Removing the front bumper is easy. Exactly as stated below.

Two T50 Torx bolts under the bumper needs to be removed. Then also remove the screws on the fender liner, then undo the 1/4 turn fasteners holding the panel underneath the fog lamps.

Bumper slides forward, disconnect the PDC connectors and windshield wash connectors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeattleM5

I think you might be approaching this the wrong way. I removed my front bumper a month or so ago to install an AA CAI. I simply removed the two T50 torx bolts that are tucked away in the "roof" of the lower grill opening (just under where the front license holder goes). The bumper then slid forward. Don't forget to undo the bolts on the R/L lower fender liners first as they attach to the bumper. Once the bumper is slid forward a bit, disconnect the terminals going to the PDC units (if you have them) and disconnect the hose feeding the headlight washers, you'll find it on the passenger side of the bumper (US cars). For a more detailed explanation w/ photos go to the Beastpower website and select the AA CAI, you'll find instructions in pdf format. Hope this helps!

azaytsev · 5th November 2007, 19:10

This should help you
http://www.540isport.com/DIY/M5front...ngupbumper.htm

MAH · 6th November 2007, 04:58

Thanks everyone. Yes, I was trying to make this a difficult task when it should be much easier. I will try the easy way discribed by the above link.

Good info guys!

Mark

6spd · 6th November 2007, 05:33

If you ever want to remove the bumper cover from the bumper. I suggest dike pliers that can reach behind the spike and make it easier to pull out.

It seems every weekend I have the bumper off the car fiddling with something new now days.

mottati · 6th November 2007, 05:37

there are also little plastic trim tools to get those plastic "rivits" out, but that is after you've already removed the bumper from the car. The rivits hold the plastic cover to the metal bumper.

MAH · 6th November 2007, 14:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by mottati

there are also little plastic trim tools to get those plastic "rivits" out, but that is after you've already removed the bumper from the car. The rivits hold the plastic cover to the metal bumper.

And I thought you had to remove the plastic from the bumper before it came off! Thanks for the clearing that up for me.

Mark